It was a 'jam' and a fest in kigali recently as thousands joined hundreds of performers in the first-of-its-kind Jamafest Carnival at the EAC Arts and Culture Festival.

The carnival which had been billed to mesmerize Kigali did not disappoint and as the carnival parade snaked through Kigali City's streets from mid-morning, several residents temporarily abandoned work to witness or partake in the grand East African party.

Draped in fascinating costumes, carnival performers and participants from Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and host country Rwanda proceeded to treat the city dwellers to exuberant East African dance and drama, starting from Club Rafiki, Biryogo on to Onatracom connecting to Institut Français, the Kigali City Tower and then to the Kigali City Market, Nyabugogo.

Not even inclement weather could dampen the party mood, as the caravan quickly regrouped after an afternoon downpour to assemble at the Jamaest Festival venue--Petit Stade (Amahoro Stadium), to witness the hoisting of the Partner State flags followed by the singing of the EAC anthem and the Jamafest theme song.

Among the Festival events and/or activities lined up for the one week of festivities include live performances, arts exhibitions, a symposium, a fashion show as well as a cultural village; the Jamafest Village of Countries. More than 700 performers, artists and exhibitors are partaking in these activities. A dedicated Festival website; www.jamafest.org provides daily updates on these.